Baroness visits Lincoln for Purple Flag week

Baroness Helen Margaret Newlove paid a visit to Lincoln to witness firsthand the work being done to ensure visitors have an enjoyable and safe evening out.

The Baroness’ visit also coincides with Purple Flag Week, celebrating the award given to towns and cities that offer a “better night out” for people.

Lincoln was first awarded a purple flag in 2012, with assessors praising the way partners work together and the diverse range of cafés, restaurants, bars and theatres on offer to visitors.

To obtain the flag, applicants must demonstrate that they are committed to the wellbeing of their visitors and provide safe movement through the city centre.

Applicants must also offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for different age groups and lifestyles, and have a strong sense of place, identity and imagination in urban design.

Baroness Newlove meets young people in the city to celebrate Lincoln’s own flag award as part of Purple Flag Week. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite.

Whilst in Lincoln, the Baroness visited the offices of Lincoln BIG to meet partners involved in delivering the project around alcohol harm.

This was followed by a visit to Witham Priory Academy where John Bustin from The Big Society Bubble delivered an educational session around the consequences of alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour.

Joy Liddle followed with a talk about the work of the Lincoln Street Pastors and introduced Daniel Taylor, Lincoln’s newly-appointed Alcohol Intervention Officer.

To conclude her visit, the Baroness met over 30 students from the University of Lincoln, who showed their support for Purple Flag Week by dressing in purple and presenting the Baroness with a bouquet of purple flowers.

Sam Barstow, the Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour Manager at the City of Lincoln Council, said: “The visit to Lincoln by Baroness Newlove allowed us to highlight all the excellent work that is taking place in the city to ensure it is a safe, vibrant and well-managed destination.

“The Baroness gave positive feedback on the city’s work to reduce the harm associated with alcohol misuse and was particularly impressed with the work being done by the street pastors, alcohol officer and Lincoln BIG.

“The students gave her a very warm welcome and showed their own commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all to enjoy.”

Matt Corrigan, Chief Executive of Lincoln BIG, said: “Good management of the city at night is absolutely vital to Lincoln and we were delighted to show the baroness some of the innovative projects that would not of been possible without her support.”

Baroness Newlove was given her peerage in 2010 and sits in the House of Lords. She is well known as a community reform campaigner and was appointed as the Victims’ Commissioner in 2012.

Additionally, she is also the government champion for active and safer communities, along with being the Purple Flag champion.